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Community Development Director Jobs in Connecticut

YMCA

Development Director

Darien, CT · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Apply now to lead our fundraising efforts, strengthen our programs and expand community impact. As a key member of the leadership team, the Development Director works closely with the CEO, Board ...

Town of Berlin

Economic Development Director

Berlin, CT · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Job Title : Economic Development Director Hours: (35) per week Union Affiliation : Middle ... Maintains a community calendar of events, coordinates with the Mayor and Town Council on outreach ...

Adelbrook Inc

Director of Development

Cromwell, CT · On-site

The Director of Development is a key member of the leadership team responsible for the planning, development, and execution of comprehensive fundraising, communications, community outreach, and ...

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Community Development Director information

See Connecticut salary details

$44.7K

$123.1K

$202.6K

How much do community development director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development director in Connecticut is $123,112.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,900.00 and $151,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Community Development Director do?

A Community Development Director is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing programs and initiatives that promote the growth and improvement of a community. This role often involves working with local government, businesses, and residents to develop policies related to housing, land use, economic development, and public services. The director manages staff, secures funding, and ensures that projects align with the community’s goals and regulations. Their work helps create vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive communities.

What is the difference between Community Development Director vs Urban Planner?

AspectCommunity Development DirectorUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, or related field; often requires experience in community developmentBachelor's or master's degree in urban planning, geography, or related field; certification like AICP is common
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, non-profits, community organizationsMunicipal planning departments, consulting firms, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageLocal governments, non-profits, development agenciesCity planning departments, private consulting firms, government agencies

The Community Development Director focuses on overseeing community growth, housing, and economic development initiatives, often managing teams and programs. Urban Planners primarily analyze land use, develop zoning policies, and create urban designs. While both roles require planning expertise and work within government or related sectors, the Community Development Director has a broader leadership role in community projects, whereas Urban Planners focus more on land use and spatial planning.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Community Development Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Development Director, you need strong expertise in urban planning, project management, and a relevant degree such as public administration or urban studies. Familiarity with land use regulations, GIS systems, and grant management software is typically required. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills set top candidates apart in this role. These abilities are crucial for effectively guiding community initiatives, securing funding, and balancing the needs of diverse populations.

What are some common challenges a Community Development Director faces when balancing the needs of various stakeholders?

A Community Development Director often navigates competing interests from local government, residents, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Balancing these diverse perspectives requires strong communication, negotiation, and consensus-building skills. Directors must ensure that development projects align with community goals while adhering to regulatory requirements and budget constraints. Proactively engaging stakeholders through public meetings and transparent processes helps address concerns and fosters collaboration, though it can be time-consuming and complex.

What Does a Community Development Director Do?

A community development director manages and directs planning and management initiatives for a city organization or community, such as an elderly residential community. As a community development director, your job duties include working closely with community partners, such as businesses, community organizations, and the public, to develop strategies for improving economic, architectural, and community initiatives while preserving neighborhood or community cohesion. You also monitor programs and budgets for department initiatives. Qualifications for this career include a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, education, or public administration as well as several years of experience in public policy and planning and communication and leadership skills.

More about Community Development Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in Connecticut? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in Connecticut are:
What are popular job titles related to Community Development Director jobs in Connecticut? For Community Development Director jobs in Connecticut, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Development Director jobs in Connecticut look for? The top searched job categories for Community Development Director jobs in Connecticut are:
What cities in Connecticut are hiring for Community Development Director jobs? Cities in Connecticut with the most Community Development Director job openings:
Community Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Director job openings in Connecticut as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,112 per year, or $59.2 per hour.
Director of Planning and Community Development

Director of Planning and Community Development

Plainville Community Schools

Plainville, CT • On-site

$143K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Town of Plainville/Town Hall
Date Posted:
7/9/2026
Location:
Town of Plainville
Shape the Future of Our Vibrant Community!
Are you a visionary leader passionate about sustainable growth and community impact? Our Town is seeking a Director of Planning & Community Development to guide our physical, economic, and long-range structural future. We pride ourselves on being an incredible place to live, work, and thrive. When you join our team, you join a supportive, forward-thinking municipal family dedicated to exceptional public service.
Why You'll Love Working Here (Benefits & Perks)
We believe in taking care of the people who take care of our community:
  • Modern Work Schedule: Enjoy maximum flexibility and an extended weekend with our Four-Day Work Week.
  • Generous Paid Time Off: Maintain an excellent work-life balance with robust allotments for Vacation, Sick, and Personal time, plus a full schedule of Paid Holidays.
  • Unbeatable Retirement Security: Secure your future with our 401a Pension Plan. While you invest 6.5%, the Town supercharges your savings with an outstanding 9% contribution. You also have the opportunity to receive dollars into a 457 plan based on performance.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Director is a high-profile leader who manages the Planning Department, provides principal staff leadership to local land-use commissions, and collaborates cross-departmentally to align land-use policies with municipal goals.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Strategic Growth & Housing: Drive the implementation of the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) and design comprehensive strategies to meet statutory affordable housing goals.
  • Land Use & Infrastructure: Oversee complex applications for zoning amendments, subdivisions, and site plans, while managing long-range land-use planning for the Town-owned airport.
  • Administration & Enforcement: Manage department budgets, seek out federal/state grants, analyze municipal data, and oversee zoning and wetlands code enforcement.
  • Supervision: Provide direct guidance to the Office Assistant and technical/code enforcement personnel.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Education: Master's Degree in Urban/Regional Planning, Community Development, Public Administration, or a closely related field. (AICP membership is highly desirable).
  • Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of professional municipal or regional land-use planning experience, including at least two (2) years in a management or supervisory role.
  • Skills: Thorough knowledge of state and local land-use regulations; proficiency in GIS and planning software; and exceptional diplomatic skills to effectively collaborate with developers, attorneys, elected officials, and the general public.

This is a full-time, non-union position with a competitive salary ranging from $114,483.57 -$143,104.46.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted on-line through 4:00PM, Thursday, July 30, 2026. This position will remain open until filled.
The Town of Plainville is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.
Attachment(s):
  • Job Description TOWN PLANNER & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR.pdf

Apply